Changes

The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (the department) has removed the James Hutton Institute, Dundee, Scotland as an approved source of high health Rubus tissue culture.

Imports of Rubus tissue culture from the James Hutton Institute are still permitted, through standard import conditions and pathogen screening at the Australian Government post-entry quarantine facility in Mickleham, Victoria.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers of Rubus tissue cultures and department staff.

Background:
Following an audit and review of offshore nursery stock approved high health sources, the department implemented a revised framework for approved high health sources. Under the framework, approved sources that have been inactive for a period of 3 years will be cancelled. This is to ensure that high health arrangements remain current with department policy and effectively manage biosecurity risks such that a reduced level of intervention can take place in Australia.

Further information:
Please contact Plant Import Operations on 1800 900 090 or email imports@agriculture.gov.au